Registered Respiratory Therapist

The RCP will routinely perform other ancillary therapies such as aerosolized prostacyclin, prone positioning, and recruitment maneuvers.  In addition, therapists routinely participate in the transport and monitoring of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients to special procedure areas and surgery. Our general respiratory care practice includes standard oxygentherapy, aerosol therapy, high flow/high FIO2 therapy, and non-invasive ventilation, as well as lung expansion and pulmonary hygiene therapies.  Our services emphasize evidence-based, protocol-driven management with quality assurance oversight.

 

The RCP will require nearly constant fine and gross-motor manipulation of the hands and arms, nearly constant standing or walking, and a virtually constant work pace. The RCP must be able to push, pull, lift, and carry a minimum of 20 lbs. The RCP is a part of the health care team and may be called upon to assist nursing and physicianstaff in all aspects of patient care.

 

Department Overview

Respiratory Care Services (RCS) works very closely with the renowned trauma service at Zuckerberg San Francisco General. ZSFG operates the only level 1 trauma center for more than 1.5 million residents of San Francisco and northern San Mateo County in its new, state-of-the-art facility, which opened in May 2016.  RCS plays a vital role in the emergency department, which treats more than 3,000 severely injured patients every year.

 

Respiratory Care Services provides care throughout the hospital. On the general care wards, respiratory care practitioners (RCPs) function primarily as consultants, emergency response team members, and care providers for tracheostomy patients. In addition, RCS has a growing presence in outpatient pulmonary clinics as primary caregivers, advisors, and consultants.

 

A Respiratory CarePractitioner at ZSFG works under medical direction, provides care, treatment, and rehabilitation to patients with pulmonary disorders by means of respiratory care procedures and protocols. All proceduresare performed by a licensedRCP in an aseptic manner and follow infection control policies. 

 

Responsibilities

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job.  The functions should add up to 100%.

%  

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

  

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

30

Yes

Apply, monitor, and troubleshoot the use of continuous mechanical ventilators. Perform bedside measurements to assess proper application and continuing treatment of mechanical ventilation to critically ill patients. Perform safe transport of critically ill ventilator-dependent patients.

30

Yes

Monitor the effectiveness of respiratory therapy modalities as ordered by physicians. Evaluate the proper application of the equipment per the patient's condition. Assist the physician in development and refinement of individualized patient care techniques.

10

Yes

Perform generalized diagnostic procedures such as pulmonary function tests, arterial puncture and blood gas analysis at the bedside. Interpret results and assist physicians in the clinical application of the results.

10

Yes

Perform advanced life support and diagnostic procedures in the ICUs, such as measuring exhaled carbon dioxide production, mixed venous blood gases, cardiac output, and other cardio-pulmonary function parameters. Interpret results and assist physician in the clinical application of the results.

5

Yes

Administers therapeutic gases, aerosols, and humidification devices (using a variety of techniques and equipment). Instructs patients in incentive spirometry devices and breathing maneuvers. Performs other therapeutic maneuvers such as pulmonary clearance therapy, tracheobronchial aspiration and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

5

Yes

Record respiratory care interventions and maintain current lists of patients requiring respiratory care and the services/equipment they are receiving/utilizing. Maintain the integrity of protected health information.

5

Yes

When appropriate, teach and demonstrate theoretical efficacy, clinical application, and the proper function of respiratory care supplies and equipment to patients, family members, respiratory care practitioners (RCP), respiratory care practitioner students, physicians, nurses, nursing students, and other hospital personnel.

5

Yes

Due to critical staffing levels, increased workloads, or other factors such as disaster declarations, the RCP may be asked to perform any duty within the scope of his/her personal and professional ability. This may include accepting temporary shift charge duties.

         

 

 

 

100%

 

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

 

Qualifications

Required Qualfications

• Graduation from an approved school of respiratory therapy.
• Registered as a Respiratory Therapist as determined by the National Board of Respiratory Care.

 

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• Valid California Respiratory Care Practitioner License.
• Valid American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification.
• Valid American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.

 

Preferred Qualfications, Licenses and Certifications

• Bachelors of Science in Respiratory Care or in a health care related field.
• At least 2 years’ experience in Adult, Pediatric or Neonatal Intensive Respiratory Care.
• Active participation in respiratory care professional organizations.
• Valid American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.
• Valid American Heart Association Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification.